bioMerieux team tackle hospital ‘superbug’

bioMerieux researchers have discovered a new technique for the detection of Psedomonas aeruginosa – a healthcare associated infection which kills thousands of people each year.

The infection normally infects the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis. It is also a major cause of infection among patients with immune deficiencies, such as patients with AIDS and cancer or those suffering from burns.

In collaboration with the University of Sunderland, the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle and the University of Northumbria, bioMeriuex has implemented a method of detection which is more accurate and efficient than previous methods.

According to the company, early detection of the ‘superbug’ can make a huge difference to a sufferer’s survival.

"bioMerieux is very proud to have participated in and supported this research that will help in the fight against Healthcare-Associated Infections, a strategic focus for our company," stated Dr Peter Kaspar, bioMerieux corporate vice president of R&D.

"This discovery will enable bioMerieux to bring additional high-medical value tests to clinicians and positively impact patients’ treatment and their follow-up care."

bioMerieux is an in vitro diagnostics company serving some 150 nations worldwide.